Isla Paradiso
Discovering the Dominican Republic
January 19 – 27, 2008

A NEW WORLD

“In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue . . . ”
     Toward the end of that voyage, he discovered a tropical island paradise that came to be known as Hispaniola (La Isla Española). Columbus and his crew found it inhabited by a large population of friendly Taíno Indians (Arawaks), who made the explorers welcome. After several attempts to plant colonies along the north coast of Hispaniola, Spain’s first permanent settlement in the New World was established on the southern coast at the present site of Santo Domingo.
     Hispaniola became a much sought-after prize, with England and France coveting a piece of it as well. The English had little luck, attempting an old-fashioned invasion by sea which was easily repelled by settlers. The French, however, tried a more inventive approach, sending hundreds of farmers and merchants to settle in the un-colonized western side of the island. Skirmishes saw the balance of power seesaw back and forth over the years, with Spain eventually ceding the western third of the island to France.
     Under Spanish sovereignty, the settlers referred to the eastern side of the island as Santo Domingo. It remained annexed by Spain until 1865, when the island country became known as the Dominican Republic and won its independence. Today it is populated by a mix of the descendants from African slaves, the native mestizo, and European conquerors. Five hundred year old colonial architecture still graces much of the cityscapes, while the African influences are deeply felt in the island’s song and dance (particularly in the merengue).
     It is the island’s physical beauty which tends to draws visitors nowadays. The capital city of Santo Domingo (taking the country’s old Spanish name for its own) is all hustle and bustle, and home to 2.2 million people. It still retains much of its antique charm as the oldest city in all the New World. Jarabacoa is a natural bowl-like depression in the highlands, offering plenty of adventure activities in a serene natural setting. Samana Bay is one of the world’s top whale-watching spots, and Puerto Plata offers plenty of fun in the sun on the island’s North Coast.
     Christopher Columbus described Hispaniola in his journals as “a beautiful island paradise with high forested mountains and large river valleys.” This statement is still as true today as it was 500 years ago. For most people, the Dominican Republic may just be one of the least-known and the last unexplored territories in all the Caribbean. Come with Toto Tours, and discover your own Isla Paradiso in a new world.

ITINERARY

Saturday, January 19, 2008
Arrival in Santo Domingo

We encourage you to book our American Airlines group flight from Miami, arriving in Santo Domingo at 5pm today. If making your own arrangements, please try to arrive at 5pm or slightly before so as to take advantage of our group transfer from the airport to the hotel. If you are arriving at some other time, your transfer to the hotel will be at your own expense. We can arrange an additional night for you at our hotel if you want to arrive a day early. Those arriving on our 5pm group flight from Miami will be met at the airport and transferred to our conveniently located hotel in the city center.
     Tonight we enjoy a Welcome Dinner at the famous restaurant El Meson de la Cava. Afterwards, the more adventurous of our group may wish to sample some of the city’s gay nightlife, in clubs such as Aire, just off the main pedestrian mall Conde, or the club Atlantis across town on the Malecon waterfront. Overnight in Santo Domingo.     (Dinner Included)

Sunday, January 20, 2008
Santo Domingo sightseeing

After breakfast take a half-day sightseeing tour of all the city’s prime attractions. As the oldest settlement in the New World, Santo Domingo is a city with many “firsts”—the first Cathedral in all the Americas, the first paved street, first hospital, first university, first two-story house, and the first (and oldest surviving) European fortress. Our city tour includes the Catedral Primada, the Colonial Zone, the Three Eyes Cave (a natural grotto within the city limits), the Cultural Square, the palatial residence of Diego Columbus (first-born son of Christopher), and a panoramic view of the National Palace. Returning to our hotel in the early afternoon, the remainder of the day is free to use as you wish.     (Breakfast)

Monday, January 21, 2008
Transfer to Jarabacoa

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and journey by motorcoach into the heart of this paradise island. We leave the coastal plains and gradually drive up into the Central Dominican Republic highlands. Our destination today is Jarabacoa, a Taíno word meaning “place where the water flees.” The town itself is a relaxed community with small hotels and a surprising number of good restaurants serving reasonably priced local food. But it’s up among the higher altitudes in the surrounding mountains where eco-tourists come to play in the cooler air, fresh with the scent of Caribbean pine trees. We arrive early enough this afternoon to take an optional horseback ride or hike to one of three nearby waterfalls.     (All Meals)

Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Optional Adventures

Today is entirely free to indulge in optional adventure activities. Your choices include: a full day whitewater rafting trip; canyoning (rappelling by rope) down a waterfall (easy for first-timers); trekking through the forest; mountain biking on four select routes; or an exciting and fun ropes course. We hope everyone will opt for the full-day whitewater rafting excursion ($50), as it includes some of the best scenery and most fun available on the island. We need to reserve this in advance, so indicate your desire to join the rafting adventure on your reservation form. You might prefer to hang back and take advantage of our rustic lodge’s amenities, which include a swimming pool, volleyball, ping pong, softball field and basketball court. The day is free for you to use as you see fit. Dinner and overnight at our lodge.     (All Meals)

Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Transfer to Samana Bay

After breakfast at the lodge, continue by motorcoach to the eastern coast of the Dominican Republic. The trip will take us roughly five hours, during which time we will travel through the pine forests, down from the hills and out onto the thick, almost impenetrable swath of palm trees on the Samana Peninsula in the country’s northeastern corner. Upon arrival in mid-afternoon, we check in to our all-inclusive resort. The remainder of the day is free to explore the town or relax by the pool. Overnight in Samana.     (All Meals)

Thursday, January 24, 2008
Whalewatching

After breakfast at our resort, enjoy a half-day whale-watching excursion. The Bay of Samana is one of the world’s top whale-watching spots, because 80% of the North Atlantic’s population of reproductively active humpback whales (some 10 to 12 thousand in all) come here to mate every winter between mid-January and mid-March. Our whaleboat will cruise leisurely through the water, and it is a very common occurrence to have the 30-ton whales pull up right alongside to show off. You are virtually guaranteed to capture some amazing photos! We return to our resort in mid-afternoon and the remainder of the day is free to enjoy the facilities.     (All Meals)

Friday, January 25, 2008
Transfer to Puerto Plata

After breakfast, continue by motorcoach from the Samana Peninsula along the North Coast. We have scheduled a fun stop along the way at Rio San Juan to break up the drive. Here we enjoy a short boat ride through Laguna Gri-Gri, a fantastic channel among the tangled roots of a mangrove forest. Arriving at our all-inclusive resort in the afternoon, we’ll eat a late lunch and the remainder of the day is free to explore the town or relax by the resort’s pool or on the beach.     (All Meals)

Saturday, January 26, 2008
Free Day

Today is entirely free to do as you please. You may choose to swim in the ocean, relax by the pool, go into town to see the quaint Victorian architecture, or take a cable car to the top of Mt. Isabel for glorious panoramic views of the island and the Caribbean Sea. This evening we celebrate the conclusion of our tour with a Farewell Dinner at the resort.     (All Meals)

Sunday, January 27, 2008
Departure

The tour officially ends after breakfast. Hotel check-out is at 10am, but we can continue to enjoy the facilities until we leave for the airport at about 1pm. Our American Airlines group flight to Miami departs Puerto Plata at 4:50pm, arriving at 6:10pm.     (Breakfast)

ACCOMMODATIONS
(Click hotel name to read description)

Santo Domingo:  Sofitel Nicolas de Ovando
This very special property is a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

Jarabacoa:  Rancho Baiguate (superior rooms)

Samana Bay:  Viva Wyndham Resort

Puerto Plata:  Gran Ventana Beach Resort

PREPARING FOR THE TOUR

Entry Requirements—For citizens of the United States and Canada, you will need a valid passport good for a minimum of 4 months beyond the time of this tour. No visas are necessary, but you will need to purchase a Tourist Card (for $10.00 U.S.) for your stay, which may be purchased upon arrival at the airport in Santo Domingo.

Immunizations—No immunizations are required, but it is wise to make sure your tetanus booster is up-to-date.

Exit Requirements—All tourists must pay a departure tax of $20 (for minimum 2 week stay) at the airport. You may pay in either dollars or pesos.

WHAT TO BRING

Daytime dress is generally casual but beachwear and shorts are only acceptable in resorts and at pools. It is considered offensive to enter a church wearing shorts and a t-shirt, so plan on wearing a pair of lightweight cotton chinos and collared shirt for touring days. Evenings tend to be smarter, though still casual. The weather will range between 70 and 82 degrees Farenheit, with slightly cooler temperature in Jarabacoa. Pack accordingly, but try to limit yourself to two small suitcases. Electric current is 110 volts, same as in the U.S., with standard plugs and outlets. Pack all medications in a carry-on bag and leave expensive jewelry home!

Suggested Packing List:

____ One comfy, casual outfit for Welcome Dinner (it is in a cave, but no Fred Flinstones please).

____ Short-sleeved shirts (4 - 5).

____ Shorts (2 - 3 pairs).

____ Underwear & socks for 8 days.

____ Sneakers and beach sandals (hiking boots not necessary).

____ Long-sleeved shirts (2 - 3) for evenings / sun protection.

____ Lightweight long pants (1 - 2 pair).

____ Lightweight poncho for rain.

____ Jacket or sweatshirt for cool nights.

____ Swimsuits / beach towel / sun hat.

____ Sunscreen / lip balm / sunglasses.

____ Moist towelettes.

____ Ziploc plastic bags. Small for documents & large for wet items.

____ Day-pack or fanny pack.

____ Anti-diarrhea medicine just in case.

____ Insect repellent / anti-itch ointment.

____ Personal toiletries.

____ Binoculars / Camera & film / memory cards.

____ Pocket calculator for money exchange.

____ A good book for the plane and the beach.

MONEY MATTERS

The monetary unit is the Dominican Republic Peso (DOP). Bills come in denominations of 2000, 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 pesos. Coins are 1 peso, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 centavos. On May 5, 2007, the interbank exchange rate was about 33 pesos to the US dollar. Exchange money only at banks or at your hotel. It is easier at the hotel, but sometimes the cash drawer is low. Never exchange currency with someone on the street. You will get the best exchange rate by withdrawing money from ATMs, which will be available in all but the smallest villages. Credit cards are widely accepted throughout the country.

Taxes and Tipping—Hotel and restaurant bills automatically include a 10 per cent service charge (on top of a 12 per cent charge for tax purposes) but an additional tip may be given as an appreciation of good service. Taxi drivers on the fixed routes do not expect tips. We will present a collective tip to both during our Farewell Dinner.

RESERVATIONS

To reserve a place on this tour, click on the “Reservations” link above. Type in the information requested in each field, print the form, then sign and mail it to Toto Tours with your $500 deposit check. You also have the option to pay for your tour deposit with a Visa or MasterCard. The remaining balance is due 80 days prior to departure (by October 31, 2007). Tour registration is not complete until we have received both the signed reservation form and your deposit check or credit card authorization.
     Toto Tours does not accept credit cards as a form of payment except for the amount of the tour deposit ($500 maximum can be charged per tour). An installment plan is possible. Our mailing address is: Toto Tours, 1326 W. Albion Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60626-4753. Make checks payable to: Toto Tours, Ltd.

LIABILITIES / DISCLAIMERS

Making a reservation with a deposit shall be deemed to be consent to these conditions: Toto Tours does not accept responsibility in whole or in part for any delay, loss, accidents, personal injury, sickness, medical expenses, or property damage occasioned by fault of any person from whatever cause. All participants are required to sign a standard liability form.
     We strongly encourage you purchase Travel Insurance to cover all aspects of your travel in the Dominican Republic! We will provide the necessary forms upon receipt of your deposit, or you can apply online by following the link at the bottom of this page. You can also book your travel insurance with a phone call to Toto Tours.
     The tour operators reserve the right to accept or decline any person as a member of the tour at any time and to make whatever changes become necessary with or without notice. Guaranteed departure with a minimum of ten participants.
     Toto Tours is not responsible for airline cancellation or change penalties incurred by individual tour participants for air tickets purchased prior to notification that the tour is a confirmed departure.

• fun-loving optimists who have a sense of humor and accentuate the positive;
• good natured realists who are willing to accept situations as they exist;
• undaunted by the unexpected, like occasional delays or bad weather;
• willing to forego some of the amenities we normally take for granted;
• eager to try new things & test limits;
• punctual;
• not whiners!

THE BOTTOM LINE
(tour prices per person)

Price:  $2,395 double occupancy

Private Room:  $500 extra, if available. (Not required. Toto Tours can match you with a roommate if you are traveling alone and prefer to share a room.)

Deposit:  $500 (Due at time of registration for the tour. May be paid with a credit card.)

Remaining Balance:  $1,895 double / $2,395 single
(Assumes $500 deposit has already been made)

Remaining Balance Due:  October 31, 2007
(Full payment required with reservation form if enrolling after this date.)

Included:  All ground transfers within Dominican Republic; fully guided and escorted tour; all guided excursions except those listed as “optional”; meals and accommodations as listed in the itinerary.

Not Included: Round-trip air transportation from your home city into Santo Domingo (SDQ) and returning from Puerto Plata (POP); meals and other items not specifically covered in the itinerary; insurance; alcoholic beverages; soft drinks; bottled water; laundry; telephone calls; faxes; or any other expenses of a personal nature. Tips to drivers / guides are not included.

Airfare:  We can arrange your international airfare for you if you wish. We have timed the above itinerary to the following flights on American Airlines, with a price just under $400 from Miami (as of May 10, 2007). This price is subject to change, so it is best to book early!
     Departure:  AA # 783 leaves Miami at 1:50pm / Arrives Santo Domingo at 5:00pm
     Return:  AA # 978 leaves Puerto Plata at 4:50pm / Arrives Miami at 6:10pm
With this itinerary you will probably need to arrange for an extra night in Miami on the return. If you indicate on the reservation form that you would like us to book this flight for you, we will put you into direct contact with our booking agent.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

We recommend you purchase travel insurance with AIG Travel Guard to cover for unforseen events prior to and during your trip. Please follow the link below or call us for more information.